The 21-year-old attacker shone throughout the Selecao's triumphant Confederations Cup campaign last summer and has further enhanced his reputation since then, impressing for the Blaugrana in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Silva says that there is a great camaraderie in the Brazil camp ahead of the World Cup, which gets under way in June, and that he would be willing to do anything for his team-mate.

"If I have to run for Neymar, I will run for Neymar. If have to die for Neymar, I will too," the centre-half told L'Equipe.

"In this group, there is no one able to break the good atmosphere. One may earn more money, be more handsome, or feel happier, but there are no bad vibes."

There has been well-documented social and political problems in the lead up to Brazil 2014, but Thiago Silva believes that winning the tournament would go some way to helping the country come together.

"It would help improve the country's situation," he argued.

"This World Cup will be a unique moment in our lives. To become world champions in our country would be with us to the end of our lives.

"The 1950 team [who were upset by Uruguay in the tournament decider] could never know that joy and, even today, feels that disappointment."